- Dorset will benefit from a new £85 million partnership between government and industry aimed at transforming obesity care across the country.
- Free weight-loss jabs will be offered via smartphones, gyms, and pharmacies under a radical new government deal.
- The partnership could see thousands more patients gain access to enhanced local support.
- Midlothian patients will also benefit from the £85 million partnership to tackle obesity.
- More than 100,000 people will be eligible for new pilot projects planned to speed up the rollout of weight-loss medication on the NHS.
- A dozen cutting-edge projects will benefit thousands of patients battling obesity across the UK.
- In Dorset, around 62% of adults were classified as overweight or obese last year.
- Obesity is one of the UK’s most pressing health challenges, affecting almost one third of adults in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- It is estimated that obesity costs UK society up to £107 billion per year, including more than £9 billion for the NHS.
- The Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme aims to simplify access to a range of weight loss interventions.
Dorset and Midlothian are set to benefit from an innovative £85 million partnership aimed at transforming obesity care through the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP). This initiative, backed by government and pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, will provide new, accessible weight management support for NHS patients and Armed Forces personnel.147810
The programme will offer free weight-loss jabs via smartphones, gyms, and pharmacies, targeting the alarming statistic that almost one in three adults in the UK are living with obesity. According to the Dorset Council, around 62% of adults in Dorset were classified as overweight or obese last year, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions.2
Science Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Almost one in three adults in this country are living with obesity – that’s millions of people who deserve real support.” Health Secretary James Murray echoed this sentiment, calling obesity an epidemic that requires “bold action to end it now.”
The partnership will fund a dozen cutting-edge projects, aiming to simplify access to a range of weight loss interventions, including lifestyle services and pharmaceutical treatments. It is estimated that obesity costs UK society up to £107 billion per year, with the NHS bearing over £9 billion of that cost annually. This initiative is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on NHS services while providing essential support to those in need.69
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill, welcomed the funding, stating, “This partnership is a great example of the UK Government teaming up with innovative technology companies to tackle an issue that impacts on people every day.”
“The UK government and industry are investing £85 million to enhance obesity care in Dorset and Midlothian. This initiative includes free weight-loss jabs and community-led support to address the obesity epidemic.”
Dorset Echo
